International Day for Women in Maritime 2026

In celebration of the International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May), we’re proud to spotlight voices helping shape the future of the industry. At Comet Growth, we believe visibility creates change. That’s why we sat down with one of our partners, Friederike Hesse, Co-founder and Managing Director at ZERO44, to discuss her perspective on gender equality in maritime, the role diversity will play in the industry’s future, what first drew her to the sector, and her advice for the next generation of women entering shipping.

When asked what first drew her to the maritime industry and what has kept her in it, Friederike pointed to its fundamental role in the global economy.

“What first caught my attention was the sheer importance of maritime to global trade,” she explains. “It is the backbone of international commerce, and its impact on economic development is immense.”

She adds that what keeps her engaged today is the scale and urgency of the decarbonisation challenge.

“At ZERO44, we are working on a problem that is both enormous and, I believe, solvable,” she says. “That combination is rare. Shipping is global, but also structured enough that coordinated solutions are possible. There is real potential to create meaningful change, and that’s what drives me.”

When asked what companies can do to create a more inclusive environment for women in maritime, Friederike Hesse emphasised that meaningful change starts with everyday actions. While policies matter, she believes inclusion is ultimately shaped by company culture, from encouraging women to apply for roles to ensuring they are visible, included and actively supported in their career progression.

As she puts it, “It’s the accumulation of those daily actions that shapes whether women feel they truly belong in shipping, and ultimately determines how many stay and rise through the ranks.”

Her perspective reflects a broader shift across maritime, where decarbonisation and digital transformation are reinforcing the need for both innovation and diversity. As the industry evolves, there is growing recognition that building the future of shipping requires not only new technologies and business models, but also a wider range of perspectives and voices at the table.

For women considering a career in maritime today, her advice is both practical and encouraging.

“Be prepared for an industry still finding its way on gender equality, but don’t let that put you off,” she says. “People across maritime are working to make it more inclusive, and progress is real, even if slow. Seek out mentors, build your network early, and don’t underestimate the value of relationships. The maritime world is smaller than it seems, and the more women who enter and stay, the faster things will change.”

At Comet Growth, we’re proud to work alongside leaders who are not only shaping the future of maritime technology and sustainability, but also helping create a more inclusive industry for the next generation.